My favourite 12 restaurants of 2023
- Where To Lisbon
- Oct 6, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 10, 2024
And with that, the 2023 season comes to an end…”. As we wrap up another year of gastronomic experiences in Lisbon, it's time to celebrate the ones that left a mark on our taste buds this past year.
From the historic streets of Alfama to the trendy corners of Santos, Lisbon's dining scene has been full of amazing restaurants, bars and so much more! So, let's raise our forks while I give you my top 12 restaurants of 2023.
Kicking off the list is Han Table Barbecue, a foodie’s paradise where the art of grilling reaches new heights. Here, you become the chef and elevate the joy of sharing food. Han Table Barbecue is definitely a must-go-to, you can find them in Lisbon and porto.
You can’t miss out on the delicious Wagyu meat selection they have to offer you, as well as on the House Special combination table. Also, if you’re not a fan of meat, they have incredible veggie options.
Mexican food lovers, unite! Boca Linda is a restaurant where “la cocina mexicana” is the main character - you’ll have a fiesta inside your mouth with their delicious flavours. Located in Santos, the colourful atmosphere and reggaeton playing in the background add to the overall experience and for a good taste of Mexico's culinary, Boca Linda is the destination of choice!
The Shrimp Tacos are a must-try, the cocktails definitely spice up your dining adventure and don’t forget the delicious avocado ice cream with parmesan cheese.
Gazzo is located in Mouraria but it might as well transport you to the culinary streets of Italy. For pasta lovers, you’ll definitely be coming to the right place. Beyond eating you can also cook there on their pasta workshops, while sipping some wine. It’s an amazing experience that you should try!
Try the mushroom risotto & the lasagne and you’ll have the full Italian experience.
For a perfect date night in Lisbon, I recommend Rosetta’s. This is all about tapas and wine - just how we like it! Here, you have the pleasure of sharing food with your loved ones, as well as eating tapas made with typical Portuguese ingredients. Their concept is unique and delicious, don’t miss out on this one!
The shrimps are a must-try.
Nortada is a family restaurant that has been passed down throughout the years. With an amazing view to Praia Grande and delicious traditional Portuguese seafood, you’ll definitely have that cosy feeling in your belly. It's located in Sintra but it's worth the day trip!
I recommend you trying the shrimp moqueca & the fresh fish of the day.
Cobaia is located in a former themed park, which definitely makes the whole experience a fun ride. With a periodic table themed menu, you begin your journey going through their delicious cocktails & the one we tried in served in what looks like blood bags. Next, you can dive into the food with a Mediterranean menu, top notch combos. The idea is to order and share, so this is the perfect restaurant for a friend’s dinner!
If you go and give it a try, I’d recommend the Gnocchi dish, you won’t regret it.
Next, I bring you Yakuza! Put on your fancy shoes and come taste the Japanese cuisine in a really special environment. It’s located in Lisbon (but they’re also in Porto, Cascais, Algarve, Paris and Tenerife), you can sit by the bar or enjoy the view to the garden, either way you’ll have an amazing experience. The menu is the perfect fusion between the East and West culinary cultures!
Try the Shacho, a carpaccio w/ three different types of fish topped up with truffle.
Garrincha is the next big discovery on my list. Located in Arroios, you can almost feel at home, as a Portuguese, due to the interior decorations. The owner is Adam, an Israeli chef and the menu changes almost daily, depending on the best produce available on the market. That’s why you can taste Mediterranean cuisine with unique quality and true flavour.
My recommendation is to order the freestyle option, where you tell the chef the amount of dishes you would like to try and he’ll just surprise you!
Located in Alcântara, Rumours is the perfect spot for date night! Elevate your date night by bringing your own booze and letting Stefano, a cocktail lover by heart, create your favourite drink. He dedicates two-hours creating 5 amazing cocktails personalised to your taste and you definitely won’t regret it.
Here, my recommendation is simple - bring your favourite booze and just have fun. However, give the nutella shots a try!
Pizza Mode is for the pizza lovers out there! You cannot miss out on this gem. This restaurant was opened two years ago by Peppe, an Italian chef, who discovered his passion for pizza in Spain. This is the perfect place for a unique pizza experience, where you can find the traditional combos, but also new and exclusive options.
If you give it a go, you must try the delicious Monalisa and the Stramort.
If you like new fun activities to do on the weekends like me this one's for you! At AGORA, on the first Sunday of each month, you can try a buffet brunch. You have a good range of food you can try, it goes from eggs, to toasts, pancakes, kimchi salmon, & much more; the best part you can eat as much as you would like. In addition, it includes one hot drink and a cold one. Your pet can also join you and you can both enjoy the live music.
My tip for you is to mark this on your calendar and once you go, just dive in!
This is the best secret in town: No Convento. The stunning restaurant is located in Santos, in a hidden convent with more than 350 years old. Here, you can taste the perfect match between French and Portuguese food - you’ll be amazed. This is the perfect vibe for a candlelight dinner date!
My must try's here are the duck, the tournedos rossini and the tart tartine for dessert.
This is it for 2023! Food experiences are always worth a try, whether you're a local food enthusiast or a curious traveller!
Did I leave your mouth watering? If so, which ones did you add to your list? If you want to feed your curiosity even more, check out my Instagram for more!
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